"Anand," Sikh marriage ceremony was officially recognized in India
in 1909 under the Anand marriage act. The marriage ceremony is called Anand
Karaj which means 'ceremony of bliss'. The fourth Guru, Guru Ramdas,
originally composed Lavan, the wedding song, to celebrate a holy union between
the human soul (Atma) and God (Parmatma). The Guru wishes that our married
life should also be moulded on the ideal laid down for our union with the
Parmatma. The 4 verses of Lavan explain the four stages of love and married
life. The first verse emphasises the performance of duty to the family and the
community. The second verse refers to the stage of yearning and love for each
other. The third verse refers to the stage of detachment or Virag. The fourth
verse refers to the final stage of harmony and union in married life during
which human love blends into the love for God. The marriage ceremony is
conducted in a Gurdwara or at the bride's home or any other suitable place
where Guru Granth Sahib is duly installed. A priest or any Sikh (man or woman)
may conduct the ceremony, and usually, a respected and learned person is
chosen.